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The Rural Services Network (RSN) has conducted an initial analysis of the recent Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and is deeply concerned about the implications for England's rural communities. While the government promised no reductions in Core Spending Power,...
The importance of rural councils coming together was highlighted last week with an urgent meeting called by the Rural Services Network of local authority members. Following the Local Government Finance Policy Statement published on 28th November which set out...
Last week the Government published the policy statement for Local Government Finance 2025-2026. This included outline details of the headline allocations through the Provisional Settlement for Local Government for which a consultation will be launched in December ahead of the...
The University of Lincoln has secured a £10.9m grant to conduct research on health issues affecting rural and coastal communities. The areas in question experience shorter life expectancies and higher rates of preventable conditions. The funding aims to establish a...
Recent findings from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation "UK Poverty 2024" report highlights significant poverty issues in the UK. Here are some key takeaways: Widespread Poverty: Over 14 million people, including 4.2 million children and 2.1 million pensioners,...
The Government last week published its response to a report by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee on its Inquiry on Funding for Levelling Up. The Inquiry looked at the funds available for levelling up and how...
A new report by The Kings Fund has highlighted the vital role district councils have to play in improving the health and wellbeing of their communities. Driving better health outcomes through integrated care systems: The role of district...
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are considering how best to update the Indices of Deprivation (IoD) from the most recent publication in 2019 It is important that any future release continues to meet the broadest range...
Writing in Conservative Home, Conservative MP for North Devon, Selaine Saxbyn outlines her mission has always been to level up the pockets of deprivation in her ‘remote, rural and coastal’ constituency Saxbyn highlights that levelling up for her has...
The Telegraph reports on the division between more deprived rural areas of the country like Cornwall, where it sets out the “contrast between the luxury hotels and the many on benefits and at food banks” The article explains that...
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Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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